FAQ Doctoral Researches
Frequently asked questions about doctoral research at TH Köln
Doctoral researchers at TH Köln
What is a Supervision Agreement and how is it signed?
Prior to the start of the doctorate, it is recommended to draw up a supervision agreement between the supervisors and the doctoral researcher. This supervision agreement serves to define the rights and obligations of the doctoral researcher and the supervisors. In the case of a cooperative doctorate, we recommend that the agreement be signed by the supervisors from both TH Köln and the partner university.
What is the difference between a Supervision Agreement and a Confirmation of Supervision?
A Confirmation of Supervision is a short confirmation from a professor that they will supervise your doctoral project. You need a Confirmation of Supervision, for example, if you want to apply for a doctoral scholarship or if you want to enroll for a doctorate at the Graduate School for Applied Research in North Rhine-Westphalia (PK NRW).
In addition, at the beginning of your doctorate, you should sign a - much more detailed - Supervision Agreement, which regulates the organization of your supervision in detail.
May I use the libraries at TH Köln?
As a doctoral researcher you can use any library associated with TH Köln. Your student or employee ID card (MultiCa) also serves as your library card. Through the library, you can borrow books and other media, access e-media, use interlibrary loan services and consultation offerings, as well as publish open access.
Is it possible to work/teach at TH Köln at the same time while I work on my doctoral research project?
Working or teaching at TH Köln while conducting doctoral research projects is also possible. If you are employed as a scientific associate, you are allowed to engage in teaching for 4 semester periods per week (provided you are working full-time). With a part-time position, the hours per week are proportionally reduced. In all other cases, these teaching activities will be handled through a separate teaching assignment.
What is meant by “Good Scientific Practice“ and where can I find further information?
Good Scientific Practice means to implement and apply certain standards for a qualified research, the publication of research results or intellectual property rights. One of the objectives is to make them obligatory and general for everyone. TH Köln has established the relevant standards and communicated them on its websites.
Which possibilities do I have to publish my dissertation?
TH Köln library offers two publication series for electronic documents:
Cologne Open Science
If you like to publish your dissertation online, you may publish within a publication series of „Cologne Open Science“:
• Kölner Schriften zur Geistes- und Gesellschaftswissenschaftlichen Forschung (Social Sciences)
• Kölner Schriften zur Ingenieur- und Naturwissenschaftlichen Forschung (Engineering and Natural Sciences)
The service is free of charge. No editing takes place. The library assists you with a title page according to the requirements of the publication series.
ePublications:
The second online publication server is open for all members of the university. It is intended primarily for single publications that are not part of a publication series, and for bachelor's and master's theses.
How can I finance conference participation and travels as part of my doctorate?
There are various options for funding travel to scientific conferences as part of your doctorate.
If you are employed in a research project, you should first check whether there are any travel funds available that you can use.
You can also apply for funding under the following programs:
- DAAD conference funding: HAW.International: Kongress- und Messereisen Important: The application must be submitted 120 days before the event. However, some documents (e.g. acceptance of contribution) can be submitted later. One funding per year is possible.
- Funding Opportunities If no other funding options are available; requirements include a completed supervision agreement and participation in a seminar on good research practice.
Is it possible to go abroad during my doctoral research?
Yes, it is possible to conduct research abroad for a flexible time interval, after consulting with your supervisor. The Department of International Affairs advises about funding opportunities.
Is it possible to receive a refund for the local transportation ticket, which I automatically buy when I register at TH Köln, if I do not want to use it?
It is only possible to get a refund if you are already enrolled at another university in North Rhine-Westphalia and therefore paying for the transportation ticket.
May I use the service of the ” Studierendenwerk“? Where do I find more information?
If you are enrolled as a doctoral researcher at TH Köln, you are of course able to use the services of the “Studierendenwerk.” These services include special offers related to housing, dining (canteen), financial opportunities, and childcare.
Can I participate in the language courses offered by the Language Center at TH Köln?
Yes. Further information can be gathered here:
What kind of insurance do I need as a doctoral researcher?
If you are not employed as a staff member at TH Köln, you must obtain your own health insurance as a doctoral researcher or be insured through an external employer. Regardless, you are covered by the Unfallkasse NRW for accident insurance as an enrolled doctoral researcher or employee of TH Köln.
First generation PhD - What do I need to consider?
If you are the first person in your family to do a doctorate, you often face particular challenges: The question of funding, self-doubt, external pressures, academic language and a world of seemingly unwritten rules that may sometimes seem strange to you. The most important information first: you are not alone! There are groups that offer advice and networking with people who have had similar experiences. The association "Erste Generation Promotion e.V." offers individual counselling and a mentoring programme, and the local group of the network "ArbeiterKind.de" meets regularly for an open get-together.
The team at the Graduate Center Service Desk will also be happy to provide you with individual advice tailored to your personal needs - do not hesitate to contact us!